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Bomber Report

Bomber Report

Blue Bombers’ Reese picks up the pieces

Blue Bombers’ Reese picks up the pieces

Ken Wiebe 7 minute read Friday, Jul. 17, 2026

David Reese admits his new routine took some getting used to.

No, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers rookie defensive end wasn’t talking about the transition to the CFL game.

That’s been relatively smooth, especially over the past two games as his playing time has increased and he worked his way into a starting role.

But after spending eight years in the NCAA due to a host of injuries and circumstances such as a global pandemic, Reese said there were times he wondered if he shouldn’t be walking into a classroom, burying his head in a textbook or preparing for the next exam.

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Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Blue Bombers linebacker Tony Jones pulls down Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly in Winnipeg on Friday.

Bombers’ D starting to show its teeth

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Bombers’ D starting to show its teeth

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026

No one stood on a table and delivered a rah-rah speech.

The scheme wasn’t overhauled, and there were no major changes to the roster either.

And yet, after opening the season with three discouraging performances, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ defence has looked like a completely different unit of late.

They’re the only team in the CFL to hold opponents to 21 points or fewer in its last two games. Fresh off a 30-21 home win over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, the Bombers (3-2) rank second in the league in scoring defence, allowing 24.4 points per game.

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Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Dru Brown hands off to running back Brady Oliveira during the Bombers 30-21 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday.

Blue Bombers’ Brown not bent on revenge

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers’ Brown not bent on revenge

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2026

It’s the kind of storyline you’d find in the wacky world of professional wrestling.

You know, the one where someone is disrespected and cast aside by their former alliance, only to get the chance to step into the squared circle and exact revenge.

While there won’t be any body slams or powerbombs, quarterback Dru Brown could find himself in a similar scenario — except on turf — on Sunday if he’s tasked with leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-2) into Ottawa to face the Redblacks (0-5).

Starting quarterback Zach Collaros (neck) was a limited participant at Tuesday’s practice, while Brown took reps with the first-team offence.

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Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2026

Bomber Report

Nick Iwanyshyn / The Canadian Press Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (right) is on the injury report with a neck issue and is listed as questionable for Friday’s date with the visiting Toronto Argonauts.

Bombers look to build on strong defence against high-powered Argos

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers look to build on strong defence against high-powered Argos

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

Mike O’Shea is more likely to cough up his credit card information than share anything about an injured player.

That especially rings true when it comes to the quarterback position — and Zach Collaros.

The starting pivot for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-2) left Sunday’s 14-13 win in Hamilton on the first play of the second quarter after being strip-sacked from the blind side.

Collaros is on the injury report with a neck issue and is listed as questionable for Friday’s date with the visiting Toronto Argonauts (2-2).

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Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

Bomber Report

Bombers get kick out of World Cup

Bombers get kick out of World Cup

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers get kick out of World Cup

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers would look very different today if a few of their standouts never ditched the pitch for the gridiron.

With the FIFA World Cup in full swing, several members of the Blue and Gold reminisced Wednesday about soccer careers that might have been.

Look no further than star running back Brady Oliveira, who excelled at footy until he was recruited to play football for the North Winnipeg Nomads at age 13.

His older brother Kyle played junior soccer in Brazil and was part of the Canadian national development program, while his younger sister Kallee played at the University of Winnipeg.

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Thursday, Jul. 2, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Edmonton Elks’ Joel Dublanko and Noah Taylor celebrate sacking Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros during the first half of the Elks 23-18 win in Winnipeg, Thursday.

Bomber comeback falls short

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Bomber comeback falls short

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

It was the kind of start that had fans in the stands facepalming.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers initially looked nothing like a group that had an extra week to prepare for Thursday night’s showdown at home with the Edmonton Elks.

Two fumbles, two missed field goals and more struggles on defence put the Blue and Gold in a 17-0 hole midway through the second quarter.

And while the second half was far from perfect, the Bombers showed signs of life — especially on defence — and miraculously grabbed an 18-17 lead with 8:34 remaining in the contest after running back Brady Oliveira dragged a defender to the front pilon of the end zone on a 14-yard catch and run.

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Friday, Jun. 26, 2026

Bomber Report

Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Quarterback Dru Brown last suited up for the Blue and Gold for the 2023 season before getting the starting pivot gig with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2024.

Bombers bursting Dru Brown is back on club’s roster

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Bombers bursting Dru Brown is back on club’s roster

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are thrilled to welcome Dru Brown back into the fold.

“I’m just excited to have my friend back,” said starting quarterback Zach Collaros on Wednesday.

“I’m pretty ecstatic about it, honestly. Dru was one of my guys when he was here,” said running back Brady Oliveira.

The eventual arrival of the 29-year-old pivot — who was acquired in a trade with the Ottawa Redblacks on Tuesday and is still on his way to Winnipeg — does, however, complicate things for the club’s current No. 2 quarterback, Taylor Elgersma.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Even in the Week 2 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros racked up 421 yards — the third-highest total of his career and his fifth career 400-plus-yard game. The pivot enters Thursday’s game just 296 yards behind Khari Jones Bombers’ record.

Shutdown defence key for the W

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Shutdown defence key for the W

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Death, taxes and Mike O’Shea having the Blue Bombers ready to rock after a bye week.

Last season — which was a down year across the board for the club — his troops went 1-2 after breaks, but dating back to 2018, they own an impressive 16-3 record coming off byes.

They’ll look to return to their usual form Thursday night when they host the 2-0 Edmonton Elks (7:30 p.m. CT).

The Bombers (1-1) headed into their bye with a harsh reminder that they still have plenty to clean up. In Week 2, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats came to town and spoiled Winnipeg’s home opener with a convincing 37-27 victory.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Ottawa Redblacks traded quarterback Dru Brown to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Tuesday.

Brown back with Blue and Gold

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Preview

Brown back with Blue and Gold

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

Dru Brown has left the doghouse in Ottawa and is on his way back to Winnipeg.

The Blue Bombers announced Tuesday evening that they have acquired the 29-year-old quarterback and a second-round pick in the 2027 CFL Draft (previously traded by Winnipeg to Ottawa to move up three spots in this year’s draft to pick tight end Dante Daniels) from the Ottawa Redblacks, in exchange for Winnipeg’s first-round selection in 2027 and a second-round selection in 2028 (conditional).

The conditional pick will become a first if Brown re-signs with the Bombers for 2027 and plays a certain amount that season.

Brown broke into the CFL with the Bombers in 2021 and appeared in 38 games across three seasons where he completed 102-of-153 attempts for 1,484 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. He started three games in that stretch and went 2-1.

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Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2026

Bomber Report

DAVE BUSTON / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Head coach Cal Murphy holds the Grey Cup after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1984. Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Cal Murphy holds the Grey Cup after his team beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Grey Cup game in Edmonton, Nov.18, 1984. Murphy, who was part of nine Grey Cup-winning teams as an assistant coach, head coach and CFL general manager has died at age 79. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Buston

Bomber great Murphy to be inducted into Ring of Honour

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Bomber great Murphy to be inducted into Ring of Honour

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

Cal Murphy was immortalized with a statue outside of the home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers back in 2017 and, next month, his name will be displayed inside the stadium next to fellow franchise greats.

The Bombers announced Thursday that the late Murphy is this year’s inductee into the team’s Ring of Honour. The longtime head coach and general manager, who died in 2012 at the age of 79, will be officially inducted on July 30 when the Bombers host the B.C. Lions.

“Cal was such an important part of the Blue Bombers for his many years with the club as a coach, a GM and a steadfast voice for Canadian football,” said Winnipeg Football Club president and CEO Wade Miller in a statement. “Strong-willed and passionate in his beliefs, he had his hand on the rudder during one of the most successful eras of Blue Bombers football.

“On behalf of the Winnipeg Football Club, I’m thrilled to see his name join the other icons in franchise history in the Ring of Honour.”

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Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Tommy Nield fights for yards against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defence. The receiver had his first career 100-yard game on Thursday night.

Receiver Nield bags first 100-yard game in Bombers’ loss

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

Receiver Nield bags first 100-yard game in Bombers’ loss

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Tommy Nield wasn’t in a position to fully embrace the milestone, though that didn’t prevent his teammates from recognizing the significance of the achievement.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers had just lost 37-27 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their home opener on Thursday, but Nic Demski was quick to hand out some deserving praise to a fellow receiver.

“Yeah, it’s crazy,” said Demski. “For him to not have a 100-yard game before, I’m a little bit surprised by that. But I think he has a couple more in his future here.”

That’s certainly the expectation after seeing how well that Nieldis fitting into the Blue Bombers offence after signing as a free agent in February.

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Friday, Jun. 12, 2026

Bomber Report

John Woods / The Canadian Press files Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros says even the opposing team is excited to play in Winnipeg.

Blue Bombers geared up to play in front of their fans in home opener

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers geared up to play in front of their fans in home opener

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

There’s just something about a home opener in Winnipeg.

Whether you’re a rookie or a grizzled veteran, the first game in front of Blue and Gold diehards is one worth circling on the calendar.

“There was some juice out there today. I had to tell the receivers, ‘Hey, tomorrow is the game,’” said quarterback Zach Collaros after Wednesday’s walk-through.

“It’s a great place to play. I think it’s one thing that almost works against you sometimes as the home team, is the other team’s really juiced up, too, ‘cause it’s hard not to be.

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Bomber Report

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers returner Trey Vaval says he always dreamed of being in the spot he now finds himself.

Bombers explosive returner not carrying any extra pressure for repeat performance

Ken Wiebe 4 minute read Preview

Bombers explosive returner not carrying any extra pressure for repeat performance

Ken Wiebe 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

You would suspect that Trey Vaval would love to be able to go head over heels again.

With the Winnipeg Blue Bombers welcoming the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to town Thursday for their CFL home opener, the explosive returner was asked if the visit sparked any memories.

“No, not really. It’s a new year, a new game. Everything is different,” said Vaval, last season’s Rookie of the Year and Most Outstanding Special Teams Player. “Everyone keeps talking about last year, but I don’t give a (expletive) about last year. I’m not worried about stats or accolades or the stuff that happened. I want to go to that Grey Cup and get that (expletive) Cup. That’s the only thing we’ve been worried about. Dwelling on the past? No, there’s no time to do that.”

We have a moment for the moment. On Sept. 27, Hamilton’s Marc Legghio booted the ball high into the sunny sky at Princess Auto Stadium. Vaval fielded it at the 13-yard line and quickly found daylight. His vision and speed, combined with several critical blocks, created a lane to burst down the sideline 98 yards to paydirt 11 seconds into the contest.

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Tim White (12) was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this winter after four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

New Bombers Moxey, White counting down to clash with old club

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

New Bombers Moxey, White counting down to clash with old club

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

You don’t have to remind the Hamilton Tiger-Cats what happened the last time they visited Winnipeg.

It was on Sept. 27 when the Blue Bombers had their best showing of the 2025 campaign and smacked the away side 40-3.

“Man, I just remember they put it on us bad,” said Bombers corner Jonathan Moxey, who spent the past two seasons with Hamilton, after Tuesday’s closed practice.

“Every time you looked up at the scoreboard it was like, ‘This is crazy.’”

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Bomber Report

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bomber defensive linemen Willie Jefferson (centre) and Jake Ceresna kept the pressure up on the Calgary Stampeders, especially late when it mattered most.

Jefferson finds time to shine

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Jefferson finds time to shine

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

For the first time in his illustrious career, Willie Jefferson might just be underrated.

It wasn’t that long ago when the Blue Bombers defensive end was viewed as one of the very best players in the three-down loop. Now at 35 and coming off a down year where he had a career-low three sacks, there was a lot of chatter in the off-season about how Jefferson might’ve lost a step or two.

“I heard it. I put it somewhere on that shelf, so when I need a little bit of motivation, I can go get it,” said the six-time CFL all-star after Monday’s practice.

“You can look at the tape from last year. I only had three sacks, but I’m pretty sure I missed a bunch. I was able to get into the backfield, I was able to win on one-on-ones, I was able to beat double teams, I was able to do all this stuff to get to the quarterback and apply pressure — I just wasn’t able to finish like how I wanted to. That’s something I was hard on myself about this off-season.

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Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

Bomber Report

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Quincy Vaughn, left, celebrates a touchdown with teammate Zack Williams in 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES/Jeff McIntosh

Long, hard road for Winnipegger to reach CFL security

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Long, hard road for Winnipegger to reach CFL security

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 5, 2026

CALGARY — Life in the CFL should almost feel like a cakewalk for Zack Williams compared to what he went through to get there.

After a brief stint with the Winnipeg Rifles, the Murdoch MacKay Collegiate product earned a scholarship to play for the Manitoba Bisons in 2015.

The only problem was that Williams was fully committed to football and paid little attention to the “student” part of being a student-athlete.

The promising offensive lineman skipped classes and let his grades slip, leaving the program with no choice but to revoke his scholarship.

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Friday, Jun. 5, 2026

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